Renderings show an update on Houston First Corporation's plan to expand the George R. Brown Convention Center and create a green space that connects the East End to downtown. Proposals to redevelop downtowns in the name of boosting tourism, retaining sports teams and instilling civic pride are underway in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth. Boosters call the nearly $10 billion in taxpayer investments necessary for economic growth, but some experts call the projects corporate welfare that rarely delivers as promised.

A member of the public holds an anti Project Marvel sign during the public comment section of a city council meeting where they will vote on the term sheet for a new Spurs arena downtown in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Proposals to redevelop downtowns in the name of boosting tourism, retaining sports teams and instilling civic pride are underway in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth. Boosters call the nearly $10 billion in taxpayer investments necessary for economic growth, but some experts call the projects corporate welfare that rarely delivers as promised.

Notes written on a map of the area by a group during a community workshop in District 2 to get input on Project Marvel, the downtown sports and entertainment district that would include a Spurs arena and other components, at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex in San Antonio, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Proposals to redevelop downtowns in the name of boosting tourism, retaining sports teams and instilling civic pride are underway in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth. Boosters call the nearly $10 billion in taxpayer investments necessary for economic growth, but some experts call the projects corporate welfare that rarely delivers as promised.

The phrase, "I Love U," is painted on the side of the Austin Convention Center during demolition on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. Proposals to redevelop downtowns in the name of boosting tourism, retaining sports teams and instilling civic pride are underway in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth. Boosters call the nearly $10 billion in taxpayer investments necessary for economic growth, but some experts call the projects corporate welfare that rarely delivers as promised.

The George R Brown Convention Center is photographed on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Houston. Proposals to redevelop downtowns in the name of boosting tourism, retaining sports teams and instilling civic pride are underway in San........

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